The Netherlands to be represented by Team Delft Challenge

Sailing Arabia - the Tour leg three © Oman Sail

EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour, the gulf region's only long distance offshore sailing race, confirmed today the participation of Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft from the Netherlands, an experienced crew from the country's most prestigious technical college. The new team joins existing entry Team Messe Frankfurt in providing a substantial student presence at the competition, and providing a role model for the youth across the region.

Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft has previously been a competitor at the world famous Tour de France à la Voile, on which EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour is modeled. The team's entry into the gulf competition marks the first time that they have switched allegiance to EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour, and underlines the growing importance of the event on the international sailing calendar.

Skipper Kay Heemskerk outlined his team's commitment to the challenge ahead: "The whole of Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft is really excited to be taking part in EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour. It will make a great change for us to be sailing in the sunshine in February, so we will be full of energy and ready to go out and win. It's a really nice event, and I hope the example of a student team like ours can inspire other students in the gulf to get together and form their own teams to challenge for next year's Sailing Arabia – The Tour."

Through EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour, event organizer Oman Sail is providing an exciting platform to develop people and leave a lasting legacy. There is simply nothing like it in one of the fastest growing sports in the region. Every leg of the race will encourage sailing across the GCC by showcasing local role models and motivating youngsters to try something new.

Inspiring a new generation of sailors from the region is at the heart of EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour's mission. As David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail explains: "The gulf has a proud tradition of seafaring and sailing runs in the blood of the people here. This third edition of EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour will continue the work we have been doing in partnership with sailing federations across the region to increase the profile of sailing, involve and mentor local sailors, and develop the sport here so that local teams can take on the best in the world and win. Student teams like Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft will play an important role in showing students from across the gulf that it is possible to run their own team and take part in competitions at the highest level."

EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2013 will launch Feb 10th at Manama, Bahrain, continuing on to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras al Khaimah, Dibba, Mussanah and crossing the finish line in Muscat on Feb 25th.

Along the way, the teams will challenge each other over the inter-port legs and in short course racing in selected ports along the route, which include some of the finest watersports facilities in the region and indeed the world. EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour is the flagship event of competitive racing in the region and this year's competition, which features two world-famous experienced round the world sailors, an all-female team and some of the best crews on the Farr 30 One Design circuit, is sure to push the event to the next level of competitiveness and provide the inspirations spectacle to inspire the students of the gulf.